SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — A commuter train carrying more than 200 passengers struck a tractor-trailer that was stalled on the tracks in northern Los Angeles County, leaving three people with minor injuries, authorities said.
The crash involving Metrolink Train No. 271 and the truck hauling automobiles occurred about 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Newhall district of Santa Clarita, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officer Joshua Dubin.
The semi driver was able to get out of the truck before the crash on Pine Street, just south of Newhall Avenue in Old Town Newhall.
Three of the train’s 220 passengers had minor injuries and were treated at a hospital, Dubin said. No one else was hurt.
A Metrolink passenger told KHTS-AM in Santa Clarita that he didn’t feel an impact, but the effect was as if the train’s driver suddenly slammed on the brakes.
Officials weren’t sure how fast the train was going, but said the truck spilled diesel fuel and its cab was heavily damaged. The train did not derail but remained at the scene.
Front Section, Pages 4 on 10/08/2012